Simple steps can help pinpoint vehicle leaks

Car leaks can really be annoying, especially if you don’t know where they come from or how to fix them. But if your vehicle has a leak, you might be able to determine the type and cause yourself, without having to go to a mechanic.

If you notice a puddle of fluid when you pull your car out of a parking spot, first identify what the substance is. It may just be water from the vehicle’s air conditioner or it could be something far more serious, such as brake fluid.

The first step to identifying the fluid, mechanics say, is to place a large sheet of white cardboard or similar light-colored material under the car in about the same spot you noticed the leak. Leave the car in place for a few hours at the very least. Then slide the cardboard out and look at the fluid. Take note of the color, texture and odor in order to properly identify it later.

Once you’ve determined that there actually is a leak, the next steps are finding out where it’s coming from and what kind of a leak — or leaks — it is. One way to do this is with an ultraviolet leak detection system.

The kit, which can cost from $50 to $200, comes with everything that’s required to perform several leak tests, including an ultraviolet light and a series of chemical dyes. Each dye is formulated to work in conjunction with a specific automotive fluid, such as oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid.

The UV light hooks directly to the vehicle’s battery for its power source. To conduct each test, follow the instructions that come with the kit.

Instructions vary with each kit depending on the type of leak you’re testing for.

Another way to locate a presumed oil leak is to use a common product found in many medicine cabinets, foot powder.

Here’s how it works: Get the car engine as clean as possible and let it completely dry. Then, spray the general area of the leak with the foot powder . The powder will stick to the engine and cover the metal in a white film.

Now drive the car fairly slow on clean, dry roads so you don’t mess up the powder. If the oil takes a fairly direct route down, you should see a single black path down the side of the engine. You may need to spray the foot powder higher up on the engine to locate leaks from the intake manifold or head gaskets. If the oil leak is extensive, you’ll have to use the trace dye to determine where the leak is.

If the leaking fluid is oily and black, it is most likely engine oil. If it’s oily and red, it is most likely transmission fluid.

If the leak is transmission fluid, refill the fluid and recheck it in a few days. If the level has dropped or younotice a significant amount of fluid on the cardboard, contact a mechanic. Leaking transmission fluid can cause the transmission to slip and be damaged.

If the fluid is slightly oily and yellow or green, it is most likely a coolant system leak. Look for a small black rubber hose attached to the top of the radiator; follow this hose to the coolant recovery tank. If the coolant recovery tank is empty you have diagnosed the problem. Have your mechanic pressure-test the cooling system to pinpoint the leak.

If the fluid is clear and oily, it is most likely brake fluid. Brake fluid leaks are most commonly found near one of the wheels or directly under the area by the brake pedal.

These leaks should be taken very seriously because they can lead to brake failure.

If the leaking fluid is clear and not oily, there are two possible sources. Smell the fluid to determine if it’s water that has condensed in the air-conditioning unit or if it’s windshield washer fluid. If it is windshield washer fluid, fill the reservoir and watch for drips. You might have leaks in the hoses or in the reservoir itself.